Artist description 2AZZ1 is lead by an electrifying blond body builder,saxophone player and a red head that sets the stage on fire with her vocals and keyboards. Craig and Mary just happen to be married. Their original form of jazz doesn't intimidate the audience. It invites the audience to jump to their feet and groove like they've never grooved before. Their rhythm section is dangerous. This aint your dads kind of jazz (but he'll end up feelin'it too)!

Music Style Smooth Jazz Urban Beat

Musical Influences David Sanborn & Pauline Wilson

Similar Artists We sound like Dave Koz meets Alicia Keys

Artist History Craig and Mary Durst are 2AZZ1. Coincidentally, both were born and raised in small neighboring towns near Jackson, Michigan. Their paths crossed there as young musicians and it seemed destined that they would cross again. In 1980, Craig moved to Los Angeles to finish his education and pursue a musical career. It was also at that time, while attending college in Indiana, Mary had the opportunity to audition as a vocalist for a jazz fusion album based in LA. Her audition was in the true Hollywood style as she sang over the telephone from her college dorm room for recording executives on the West Coast. Three days later, she was in Los Angeles recording an album. Their paths did cross again in 1981. They met and were impressed with the way in which each had turned out as adults. After attending a concert in Hollywood together, they began dating. Their collaborative efforts began in 1984 when they were married. They added a drummer, a guitarist, a bass player and founded the group "onKall." They performed in arenas for audiences numbering from the hundreds in to the thousands. In 1986, OnKall celebrated notable success with their album release, "TRUE LOVE." They went on to build a reputation as recording artists as well as focused entertainers and changed their name to 2AZZ1. The group ranges from a tight 4 piece band up to a 9 piece which includes their popular horn section. They have performed with musical legends like NANCY WILSON, & opened for such artists as LEON PATILLO of SANTANA & the PLATTERS. In 2001 2AZZ1 performed at the PLAYBOY JAZZ FESTIVAL in Pasadena, CA. Today, 2AZZ1 is one of the most popular Adult Contemporary/Jazz Bands on the Southern California club scene. The mixture of their original music and the 2AZZ1 arrangements of popular music keeps their audiences listening and dancing. It is their original material, however, which seems to be drawing the greatest responses. Their most recent release, "SATISFIED", contains eleven original songs that run from love ballads to classic jazz fusion. Mary handles the song writing, arranging, and lead vocals & keyboards for the group with grace and style. In addition to his role as leader & producer, it is Craig's soulful sounds on the saxophones which exhibits his musical mastery. His powerful, warm and magnetic personality draws every audience near to watch & listen. The two work together as one to define their original sound. They live a daily life of health & fitness which gives them the endurance to love their audience 100%. The music of 2AZZ1 is sure to give sophisticated music lovers what they crave well into the 21st century!

Group Members Craig Durst on Sax-(Playboy Jazz Festival). Mary Durst on Keys and Vocals/Song Writer-(Playboy Jazz Festival). Bass Player Steve Billman -(Brandon Fields). Guitar Players - Craig Sharmat(Randy Crawford) & Michael Hakes (Brenda Russel) Drummer - Doug Mathews (LA Session Man)

Instruments Saxophone, Keys, Vocals, Bass, Drums, Guitar

Albums Ready

Press Reviews Nov.2001- Paul Anderson with Los Angeles Times: 2AZZ1 an urban contemporary sound that is full of delicious grooves. December 2001-Best Bet Section Los Angeles Times/Glendale: 2AZZ1 is your Best Bet for New Years Eve Dec 31, 2001.

Additional Info smooth jazz

Location Burbank, Ca - USA

Copyright notice. All material on MP3.com is protected by copyright law and by international treaties. You may download this material and make reasonable number of copies of this material only for your own personal use. You may not otherwise reproduce, distribute, publicly perform, publicly display, or create derivative works of this material, unless authorized by the appropriate copyright owner(s).